City of Palms Classic championship to feature Michael Gilchrist, Derrick Gordon and St. Patrick's

Submitted photoMichael Gilchrist and St. Patrick's will face Bishop Gorman in a game at the Spalding Hoophall Classic that will be aired on ESPNU Monday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m.

The Hoophall Classic is known throughout the country as one of the best high school basketball events each season. The City of Palms Classic, in Fort Meyers, Fla. is high on that very same list and is taking place this week.

Many of the same top-ranked teams and players Springfield-area fans will see next month in the 2011 Spalding Hoophall Classic have taken part in the City of Palms.

Michael Gilchrist and St. Patrick's (NJ) have worked themselves through the rugged bracket and into tonight's championship game against Milton (GA). Austin Rivers and Winter Park (FL) High School will face Mater Dei (CA) in the consolation game.

St. Patrick's and Milton will be at January's Hoophall Classic. Winter Park and Mater Dei have been in recent years.

Gilchrist, the top-ranked small forward in the country, and guard Derrick Gordon have powered the Celtics to tonight's final with explosive offensive outbursts. Gilchrist scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to help the Celtics down Mater Dei.

Gordon exploded for 37 points, including six 3-pointers, in St. Patrick's win over Whitney Young (IL).

Other teams that played in the City of Palms Classic that will be at the 2011 Spalding Hoophall Classic include: Christ the King (NY), Bishop Gorman (NV), St. Mark's, Westchester Country Day,